What tumor marker is typically investigated in cases of multiple myeloma?

In cases of multiple myeloma, the tumor marker that is typically investigated is B2-microglobulin. This protein is found on the surface of many cells, including lymphocytes, and is released into the bloodstream during various conditions, including malignancies like multiple myeloma. Elevated levels of B2-microglobulin are associated with more advanced disease stages and can provide important prognostic information about the severity of the condition and potential treatment outcomes.

Monitoring B2-microglobulin levels can also be useful in assessing response to therapy, as changes in these levels can indicate how well a patient is responding to multiple myeloma treatment. Its relevance in diagnosing and managing the disease underscores its significance as a tumor marker specifically for multiple myeloma.

In contrast, CA-125 is more commonly associated with ovarian cancer; S-100 is typically related to melanoma and some other tumors; and LDH is a general marker that can be elevated in a variety of conditions, not just specific to multiple myeloma. Each of these alternatives, while potentially useful in other contexts, does not have the same direct association with multiple myeloma as B2-microglobulin.